Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is surrounded by nature’s finest. Walk the waterfront, with sculptures guiding your way, then lift your spirits with a ride on the historic Cable Car. Te Papa Museum offers a window into New Zealand’s cultural tapestry, and as evening comes, Cuba Street awaits with quirky shops and lively eateries.
Chapters
Local Tips
• Te Papa Museum
• Cable Car and Botanic Garden
• Weta Workshop tours
• Zealandia eco-sanctuary
• Cuba Street’s bohemian vibe
• Windy weather
• Compact city center
• Limited beach options
Currency: –
Festivities: –
Wellington Guide
Guide for 1 Day
Morning
- Start your day at Maranui Cafe and enjoy a delicious breakfast with a great view of the sea.
- Next, head over to the iconic Wellington Cable Car and take a ride through the city’s hills to Kelburn Lookout.
- After enjoying the panoramic views, walk down through the Botanic Garden to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden to see the beautiful blooms.
Midday
- Grab a quick lunch at The Ramen Shop for some authentic Japanese noodles.
- Head over to Wellington Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture, and see the impressive Maori artifacts.
Afternoon
- Explore the Cuba Street District, a vibrant area filled with eclectic shops, street performers, and colorful murals.
- Next, visit The Weta Cave, a must-see for film buffs, to see behind-the-scenes props and costumes from iconic movies like Lord of the Rings and Avatar.
Evening
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Hillside Kitchen + Cellar, known for their use of locally sourced ingredients in their New Zealand cuisine.
- Head to The Library, a trendy bar with a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks.
- End your night with a stroll through the City to Sea Bridge, which offers stunning views of the city skyline and harbor at night.
Guide for 2 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Maranui Cafe, known for its stunning views of the ocean and mouthwatering dishes.
- Explore the Wellington Waterfront and stroll along the picturesque promenade, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful harbor views.
- Visit the Wellington Cable Car and enjoy a scenic ride to the top of the Botanic Gardens, where you can appreciate the panoramic views of the city.
Midday
- Indulge in a tasty lunch at Fidel’s Cafe, a local favorite known for its Cuban-inspired cuisine and relaxed atmosphere.
- Discover the hidden gem of Red Rocks Reserve, a unique coastal area famous for its seal colony and stunning rock formations.
Afternoon
- Explore the innovative exhibits and interactive displays at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, where you can learn about the country’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Cuba Street, known for its vibrant art scene, quirky boutiques, and bustling cafes.
Evening
- Savor a delectable dinner at Ortega Fish Shack, a seafood restaurant renowned for its fresh and sustainable dishes.
- Unwind with a drink at Hawthorn Lounge, a stylish and intimate cocktail bar known for its expertly crafted libations.
- Experience a unique evening activity at Escape Mate, where you can challenge your wits and solve puzzles in an immersive escape room adventure.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Floriditas, a local institution known for its delicious pastries and brunch options.
- Explore the vibrant street art scene in Wellywood, where you can admire colorful murals and graffiti created by local and international artists.
- Immerse yourself in nature at the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, home to a variety of native bird species and stunning natural landscapes.
Midday
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Prefab, a trendy eatery offering a diverse menu of fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
- Discover the charming neighborhood of Newtown, known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and multicultural cuisine.
Afternoon
- Take a scenic coastal drive to the Wellington Botanic Garden, where you can explore the beautiful gardens, enjoy a picnic, and take in breathtaking views of the city.
- Visit the City Gallery Wellington, a contemporary art gallery showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions and installations.
Evening
- Treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner at Logan Brown, a fine dining restaurant housed in a historic bank building, known for its innovative cuisine and elegant ambiance.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife on Courtenay Place, where you can find a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- End your evening with a relaxing stroll along the Wellington Waterfront, enjoying the stunning views of the city lights reflecting on the harbor.
Guide for 3 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Maranui Café, overlooking the picturesque Lyall Bay.
- Take a stroll along the scenic Wellington Waterfront, dotted with public art installations.
- Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, showcasing the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
Midday
- Head to Cuba Street, the vibrant bohemian hub, for a delicious lunch at Fidel’s Café.
- Browse the eclectic shops and street art along the pedestrianized stretch of Cuba Street.
Afternoon
- Discover the quirky exhibits and interactive displays at City Gallery Wellington, showcasing contemporary art.
- Explore the charming Victorian architecture and boutique stores in the hip Thorndon district.
Evening
- Savor a delectable dinner at Charley Noble, a renowned seafood restaurant in the bustling Wellington CBD.
- Sip on creative cocktails at The Library, a cozy speakeasy-style bar with book-lined walls.
- Catch a show at the historic Embassy Theatre, a grand Art Deco cinema.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Floriditas, a charming bakery and café in the trendy Te Aro district.
- Take the scenic cable car to the Wellington Botanic Garden, showcasing a stunning array of native and exotic plants.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the hilltop lookout at the Carter Observatory.
Midday
- Indulge in a mouth-watering lunch at Little Penang, serving authentic Malaysian cuisine in the bustling Courtenay Place.
- Explore the quirky shops and galleries along the colorful Cuba Street.
Afternoon
- Visit the Wellington Zoo, home to a diverse range of animals from around the world.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Marina Walkway, overlooking the picturesque Evans Bay.
Evening
- Dine at Hippopotamus Restaurant, an elegant French-inspired eatery in the chic Thorndon district.
- Sip on craft beer at Husk, a trendy bar showcasing local brews.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife of Courtenay Place, with its array of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Day 3
Morning
- Savor a delicious breakfast at The Larder, a cozy café in the charming Island Bay district.
- Explore the rugged coastline and stunning views at the Wellington South Coast, a scenic drive from the city center.
- Visit the fascinating Wellington Museum, housed in a historic waterfront building and showcasing the city’s maritime history.
Midday
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Chocolate Fish Café, a laid-back eatery with stunning views of the sea.
- Explore the hidden gem of Red Rocks Reserve, home to a colony of fur seals.
Afternoon
- Go on a guided tour of the Weta Cave Workshop, where the Lord of the Rings and other blockbuster movies were made.
- Discover the vibrant street art and graffiti scene in the colorful Garage Project laneway.
Evening
- Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Ortega Fish Shack, a cozy seafood restaurant in the trendy Thorndon district.
- Sip on creative cocktails at Hawthorn Lounge, a stylish speakeasy with vintage decor.
- Catch a live performance at the iconic BATS Theatre, showcasing innovative and experimental theater productions.
Guide for 5 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Maranui Cafe, known for their amazing coffee and pancakes.
- Visit the iconic Mt. Victoria Lookout for stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Explore the Wellington Botanic Garden and its beautiful collection of plants and trees.
Midday
- Stop by Floriditas for a tasty lunch of fresh salads and sandwiches.
- Visit the Wellington Cable Car Museum to learn about the history of Wellington’s iconic cable cars.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll through the scenic Wellington Waterfront and enjoy the views of the harbor.
- Visit the City Gallery Wellington and explore their impressive collection of contemporary art.
Evening
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Charley Noble, known for their seafood and steak dishes.
- Stop by The Library for a drink and to enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
- Check out live music at Moon Bar, a popular venue for local artists.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a tasty breakfast at Egmont Street Eatery, known for their delicious pastries.
- Visit the Wellington Museum and learn about the city’s fascinating history.
- Take a leisurely walk through the Cuba Street District, known for its colorful street art and boutique shops.
Midday
- Stop by Hippopotamus Restaurant for a delicious lunch of French cuisine.
- Visit the National War Memorial and pay your respects to New Zealand’s fallen soldiers.
Afternoon
- Explore the Wellington Zoo, home to a variety of exotic animals.
- Visit the Zealandia Ecosanctuary, a unique conservation project that has reintroduced native birds to the area.
Evening
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Ortega Fish Shack, known for their fresh seafood.
- Stop by The Hawthorn Lounge for a cocktail and to enjoy the retro decor.
- Catch a movie at Embassy Theatre, a historic cinema with a beautiful Art Deco interior.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Fidel’s Cafe, known for their Cuban-style coffee and breakfast burritos.
- Visit the Wellington City Art Gallery and explore their impressive collection of New Zealand and international art.
- Take a scenic drive to the Red Rocks Reserve and see the beautiful red rocks and seals.
Midday
- Stop by Dragonfly for a tasty lunch of Asian-inspired cuisine.
- Visit the Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, a beautiful historic church with stunning Gothic architecture.
Afternoon
- Explore the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, a fascinating museum that showcases New Zealand’s history and culture.
- Visit the Wellington Wind Turbine and enjoy the stunning views of the city and harbor.
Evening
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Noble Rot Wine Bar, known for their extensive wine list and European-inspired cuisine.
- Stop by The Matterhorn for a drink and to experience the cozy atmosphere.
- Catch a show at BATS Theatre, a popular venue for local theater productions.
Day 4
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Larder, known for their delicious brunch dishes.
- Visit the Wellington Central Library and browse their impressive collection of books and media.
- Take a scenic drive to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine and enjoy the stunning views of the city.
Midday
- Stop by Little Penang for a tasty lunch of Malaysian cuisine.
- Visit the St. James Theatre, a beautiful historic theater with stunning Art Deco architecture.
Afternoon
- Explore the Wellington City Market, a bustling market that showcases local food and crafts.
- Visit the Wellington Cable Car and take a scenic ride up to Kelburn for stunning views of the city.
Evening
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Crab Shack, known for their fresh seafood and beachy atmosphere.
- Stop by The Rogue and Vagabond for a drink and to experience their lively music scene.
- Check out a comedy show at The Fringe Bar, a popular venue for local comedians.
Day 5
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Hangar, known for their specialty coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
- Visit the Wellington Phoenix Football Club, a professional soccer team that plays at Westpac Stadium.
- Take a scenic drive to the Makara Beach and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.
Midday
- Stop by Five Boroughs for a tasty lunch of classic American cuisine.
- Visit the Parliament Buildings and learn about New Zealand’s political system.
Afternoon
- Explore the Wellington Street Art, a collection of colorful murals and street art throughout the city.
- Visit the Wellington City Library Archives and browse their impressive collection of historical documents and artifacts.
Evening
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Olive, known for their Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
- Stop by The Churchill for a drink and to experience their cozy atmosphere.
- Catch a performance at The Opera House, a beautiful historic theater with stunning Victorian architecture.
Guide for 1 Week
Day 1
Morning
- Indulge in delicious coffee and pastries at Fidel’s Cafe.
- Explore the magnificent Wellington Botanic Garden.
- Take in the scenic views from the top of Mount Victoria.
Midday
- Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Cicio Cacio Osteria.
- Visit the quirky Cable Car Museum.
Afternoon
- Discover the fascinating exhibits at Museum of Wellington City and Sea.
- Stroll along the picturesque waterfront at Oriental Bay.
Evening
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Crab Shack.
- Sip on locally brewed beer at Garage Project Taproom.
- Experience live music at Bodega.
Day 2
Morning
- Satisfy your breakfast cravings with a visit to Floriditas.
- Explore the exhibits of Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand.
- Take a walk through the breathtaking Wellington Cable Car.
Midday
- Indulge in some delicious dumplings at Dragonfly.
- Visit the unique City Gallery Wellington.
Afternoon
- Discover local artists at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts.
- Learn about the history of New Zealand’s parliament at the Beehive.
Evening
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at Logan Brown.
- Sip on award-winning cocktails at Hawthorn Lounge.
- Watch a movie at Roxy Cinema.
Day 3
Morning
- Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Egmont Street Eatery.
- Visit the stunning St. James Theatre.
- Take a scenic walk through the Wellington Waterfront.
Midday
- Satisfy your hunger with some delicious burgers at Burger Liquor.
- Explore the exhibitions at Adam Art Gallery.
Afternoon
- Discover the vibrant street art at Garage Project Wild Workshop.
- Visit the Old St. Paul’s historic church.
Evening
- Relish in a delicious dinner at Ortega Fish Shack.
- Sip on craft beer at The Malthouse.
- Watch a live performance at BATS Theatre.
Day 4
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Larder.
- Explore the marine life at Wellington Zoo.
- Take a tour of the Government House.
Midday
- Savor some delicious Japanese food at Enoki.
- Visit the unique Weta Workshop.
Afternoon
- Discover the stunning views from the Red Rocks Reserve.
- Learn about the history of Wellington’s cable cars at the Wellington Cable Car Museum.
Evening
- Indulge in a delicious dinner at Charley Noble Eatery & Bar.
- Sip on some wine at The Library.
- Watch a play at the Circa Theatre.
Day 5
Morning
- Relax with a delicious breakfast at The Hangar.
- Explore the unique exhibits at the City to Sea Bridge.
- Take a stroll through the Wellington Botanic Garden.
Midday
- Savor some delicious sushi at Nam D.
- Visit the Parliament Buildings.
Afternoon
- Discover the history of New Zealand’s military at the National War Memorial.
- Visit the fascinating Space Place at Carter Observatory.
Evening
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Hippopotamus Restaurant.
- Sip on some cocktails at The Library.
- Watch a live performance at the Opera House.
Day 6
Morning
- Treat yourself to a delicious breakfast at The Chocolate Fish Cafe.
- Explore the stunning Wellington Harbour.
- Take a tour of the Government House.
Midday
- Savor some delicious Mexican food at Flying Burrito Brothers.
- Visit the interesting Wellington Museum.
Afternoon
- Discover the art galleries and studios of Cuba Street.
- Take in the stunning views from the Mount Kaukau.
Evening
- Relish in a delicious dinner at Monsoon Poon.
- Sip on some beer at The Malthouse.
- Watch a live performance at the BATS Theatre.
Day 7
Morning
- Indulge in a delicious breakfast at Maranui Cafe.
- Explore the stunning Wellington Town Hall.
- Take a walk through the Wellington Waterfront.
Midday
- Savor some delicious burgers at Five Boroughs.
- Visit the unique Staglands Wildlife Reserve and Cafe.
Afternoon
- Discover the stunning views from the Mount Victoria Lookout.
- Explore the unique exhibits at the Wellington Museum of City and Sea.
Evening
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at The White House.
- Sip on some wine at The Library.
- Watch a play at the Circa Theatre.
Where to Stay
Coming soon for Wellington!
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Best Season
Coming soon for Wellington!